Kids gear up for miniature bull riding in Lubbock

LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – They're the toughest, roughest nine year olds in Lockney. Identical twins Tuff and Gunnyr Araujo have been riding miniature bulls for the last two years, and they have every intentions of making it a career.

When asked what the pair of third graders wanted to be when they grew up, they answered "Bull riders, in the PBR."

This Saturday they'll take part in the Miniature Bucking Bull 2011 World Tour in Lubbock along with nearly 50 other kids from four different states.

Seeing double, the two twins not only share their looks but their passion for bucking bulls. "This is their passion. It's what they love to do," said Michelle Araujo, the boys' mother.

Besides occasionally picking on their older sisters, Tuff and Gunnyr aren't like many kids their age. Instead of playing video games, they practice for their next big bull ride…and by big we're talking miniature bulls weighing a whopping 400 to 600 pounds and towering three and a half feet tall.

When they're not practicing, they're watching their favorite pros, Tuff Hedeman for Tuff, and Lane Frost for Gunnyr. "They think about bull riding 100%," said Michelle.

Riding steers and bulls since they were seven, the two have already gotten a set of winnings under their belts. Last year in the C Bar T Steer competition, Tuff won Champion and Gunnyr right behind him with Reserve, but not without the usual wear and tear of the business.

"Gunnyr did break his arm back in December, and he did ride with a cast for two weeks. Tuff has had some bruised ribs and head injuries. They're just really dedicated," said Michelle.

The two say they're excited about this weekend's competition and that they're going to cowboy up, and ride hard.

The Bucking Bull 2011 Tour will be held at the Texas Tech Equestrian Center at 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 each. There are still entries available for children wanting to enter the tour.